ON-FARM

New project to demystify dams

Creating better management practices and measuring the benefits of biodiversity.

Staff writer

This article is 6 years old. Images might not display.

The project will also measure the biodiversity benefits of farm dams and shelterbelts.

More than 7500 sheep farmers and 8000 cattle farmers in the South West Slopes between Orange, New South Wales, and Shepparton, Victoria, will be involved, including at farm field days and workshops.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said putting native vegetation and entry points around dams meant stock grew faster on cleaner, cooler water - and this research would measure the benefits across 15,500 farms.

"Fencing, installing watering points and planting native vegetation around dams can increase farm productivity," Minister Littleproud said.

"Stock with access to clean, cool water produce better meat," he said.

According to the Department, the benefits of native vegetation include filtering out runoff from paddocks, which often contains sediment, faecal matter and other things.

Plants also keep the dam water cleaner, cooler and with less bacteria, which reduces the risk of stock contracting water-borne parasites.

Trees reduce surface temperatures and evaporation rates meaning the farmer's dam retains more water. Good dam management and shelter belt management helps with drought management.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said the project will help farmers secure their livelihoods and wellbeing well into the future.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.